50. Mr. T. THOMSONasked the Prime Minister whether the Government have considered the hardship which will be inflicted on thousands of ex-service men if the unrestricted sale of houses built by local authorities under the Government's housing schemes is permitted, seeing that the tenants of these houses do not enjoy the protection of the Rents Restriction Acts with regard to security of tenure and consequently they could be evicted when a change of ownership took place; and, under these circumstances, if he will see that before any sales are authorised the rights of existing tenants to continued occupancy at rents not exceeding present scales are guaranteed?
§ Sir A. MONDI have been asked to reply. In considering what further steps are practicable for encouraging the sale of houses the fullest consideration will of course be given to the position of existing tenants.
Mr. T. THOMSONWill the right hon. Baronet be able to make a definite pronouncement as this matter is giving considerable concern to a number of ex-service men who are at present occupying these houses?
§ Sir A. MONDI do not think I can go any further than I have said.